Headstones and Grave Markers – Two Unique Types of Burial Monuments

Burial monuments are customizable grave markers that memorialize you or your loved one.

Most people typically think of a tombstone, but this is far from the only type of burial monument available. For instance, many people who plan their funeral opt for a flat grave marker rather than an upright gravestone.

If you choose to have an in-ground burial, depending on the cemetery location, you will need a memorial such as a flat grave marker or upright monument. When you plan your monument you can select exactly what you want your memorization to say.

As with many aspects of burial planning, choosing and customizing your ideal burial monument is likely foreign to you. That’s why BurialPlanning.com has outlined the many different monument options available, as well as information like price, benefits, and more.

What is the difference between Headstones & Grave Markers?

There are two main types of burial monuments: A flat grave marker and a raised headstone.

Grave markers are flat bronze plaques installed on a granite stone base for the purpose of identifying the deceased. Burial headstones are upright granite monuments for the same identification purpose. There are many different styles and types of gravestones and markers available, with different design and personalization options and different average costs of each. Read on to learn more about these specific burial monument types, and to decide which is best for your funeral plan.

Why Choose a Tombstone?

The stone form of a tombstone (sometimes called a “gravestone”) burial monument is typically what we imagine when envisioning a cemetery resting place. This type of identification is a proud and elegant way to demonstrate that the deceased was loved and continues to be remembered.

The memorial headstone can be personalized in terms of shape, size, and inscription. The messaging typically inscribed on a burial monument includes:

Name of the deceased

Words of loving identification such as father, daughter, sibling, friend

Date of birth and death

Philosophical or religious sayings

What Are the Different Types of Gravestones?

While there are many different, specific types of gravestones, these are three of the most general styles of gravestones:

Upright Tombstones

Undoubtedly the most common burial monument used, the upright gravestone is a simple stone placed at the head of the grave. While tombstones can be simple, there are many different options and designs available.

Obselik Burial Monument

These tall stone pillars actually originated in Ancient Egypt. While they are much less common than a traditional upright monument, obseliks are sometimes used to memorialize those who pass.

Slanted Headstones

A variation on the upright headstone, but with the front of the headstone featuring a dramatic slant.

How Much Does a Gravestone Cost?

Since the design of an upright tombstone/gravestone can vary greatly, so can the price. While a basic upright tombstone usually costs between $1,000 and $3,000, the price can be as high as $20,000 or more depending on the material, design, inscription on the gravestone, and any special customizations.

Why Choose a Flat Grave Marker?

A flat, lawn grave marker is an elegant way to memorialize the deceased. It allows for personal information such as date of birth and death, name of the deceased, and other pertinent details or quotes chosen by the deceased or the deceased’s family to be displayed in a beautiful but non-descript manner that doesn’t draw attention to the gravesite but honors the memory of whomever is resting there. They also tend to be significantly cheaper than their larger tombstone alternative.

What are the Different Types of Flat Grave or Burial Markers?

Much like with traditional headstones, there are different types of markers available:

Flush Grave Marker

As the name implies, a flush grave marker is a flat stone that is flush with the ground. The grave marker usually features a simple engraving and is placed at the head of the grave.

Ledger Grave Marker

The ledger grave marker is a thick slab of stone that covers the entire grave. It is somewhat similar to a traditional grave marker, and usually is flush with the ground. The main difference is that it is the length of the grave.

How Much Does a Flat Grave Marker Cost?

A basic, flat grave marker will usually cost between $250 and $600. Keep in mind this price varies based on the inscription on the marker, the color of the stone, and other cosmetic details.

As with an upright tombstone/gravestone, because the design and materials can vary, the price can as well. A bronze or granite grave marker, or a grave marker that features a rare color of stone or extensive lettering and artwork for the inscription and artwork, may cost anywhere from $800 to $5,000. But depending on your specific choices and customizations as well as the location itself, the price can be as high as $10,000 or more.

Learn More About Burial Monuments

Interested in learning more about personalization and exact costs of cemetery headstones and grave markers? Download your free, no-obligation guide now, or contact your preferred cemetery to find out what is available there.

Not applicable in the state of New Jersey.

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